Chapter Thirteen

Julie spent the better part of her Saturday tearing apart her closet, figuring what to wear. “How am I supposed to pick out an outfit when I don’t even know where we’re going?” she asked herself. I really, really, really hate surprises.

Last Tuesday, when she’d dropped off Reagan at Warriors Stadium, he’d left her with very specific instructions. She was to leave Saturday night free because he had a special date planned. The only hint he’d given her was to expect to be out late. She had tried her hardest to get him to spill the beans, but he was as stubborn as a mule and wouldn’t budge.

While rummaging through the back of her closet, she found several of John’s clothes that, after the move, she had unpacked. Julie slipped an olive-colored twill coat off the hanger and brought it to her nose. Memories flooded her mind, causing a stinging pain in her chest. She slipped her arms into the coat sleeves, and then wrapped them around her chest. “I miss you.” With John, everything had fit together so easily. Their relationship had been as comfortable as a favorite pair of fleece pants. The feeling of nervous excitement Reagan aroused was new. Something she’d have to get used to.

She took off the coat and returned it to the closet then walked over to her phone to call in back-up. She needed help, and fast. At this rate, she’d meet Reagan at her door wearing pajamas, which would totally serve him right.

A few minutes later, Chrissy arrived, curling iron and make-up bag in hand. “This is a crisis.” Chrissy’s brown curls bounced around her face. “How come he hasn’t told you where you’re going tonight? How does he expect you to know what to wear?”

“I don’t know. How about jeans and a T-shirt?”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Chrissy started rummaging through the closet. “My first date with Matt was at a bowling alley, but I doubt that’s Reagan’s style. Let’s choose something that might be too nice instead of too casual. How about this short green skirt and white blouse? You can show off your legs.”

“Mom,” Aiden yelled. “Someone’s here. He’s got a box.”

A knock sounded at the front door while Julie descended the stairs. She opened the door to see a delivery man standing on her front porch, holding two white boxes.

“Julie Ellis?” the man asked.

“Yes.”

“These packages are for you.”

“Please come in.” She directed him into the house.

He placed the boxes on the coffee table, and then held out the scanner. “I’ll need you to sign the confirmation of delivery.”

Julie signed and went to her wallet for cash to give as a tip.

“That’s not necessary. The tip has already been covered.” The man took back the scanner and made his way to the door. “Have a good day.” He left as quickly as he came.

“Oh my gosh!” Chrissy shrieked. “There’s a card. Open it!”

“If you insist.” She couldn’t help but be infected by her friend’s enthusiasm. Picking up the cream-colored envelope that rested on top, she inhaled the sweet scent of peppermint. After running her finger underneath the flap to open the envelope, she pulled out a note card made of heavy stock. The front was plain, but inside she saw Reagan’s sizeable script.

Dear Julie,

Please accept these gifts in appreciation of your excellent care.

I look forward to seeing you tonight.

Yours,

RH

She opened the larger of the two boxes and gasped when she saw its contents. First, she pulled out a fitted, champagne-colored silk cocktail dress with a beaded sheer neckline and cap sleeves. Never in real life had Julie seen a dress so breathtakingly beautiful. The sound of Chrissy’s squealing stopped temporarily, as she stared at the dress, slack jawed.

Next, Julie lifted a white fur bolero jacket and a small jewelry box. She opened the jewelry box to reveal gold drop earrings, adorned with diamonds and emeralds.

“Holy cow,” Chrissy squeaked.

A second, smaller box sat on the coffee table. Julie untied the ribbon and removed the lid. Inside were gold heels and a clutch purse, both matched the dress. “I guess we figured out what I’m wearing tonight.” Julie gave a small laugh, still stunned by the gifts.

They carried the items upstairs. “I should hang up the dress.” Julie went into her closet to retrieve a hanger.

“I don’t think you’ll be bowling tonight.” Chrissy spread out the jacket, shoes, and purse on the bed. “I predict something very fancy and expensive in your future.”

“You think?” She burst out in an almost-hysterical laugh. Her palms started sweating, and she forced herself to take a few calming breaths. Years had flown by since her last real date. She’d been a teenage girl with a ten o’clock curfew. And tonight wasn’t just an ordinary date. She would be on the arm of a rich, famous, and very handsome man. “I think I’m going to be sick.” Julie clutched her middle.

Chrissy reached over and took her by the hand. “When you called me on Tuesday and told me you and Reagan finally got together, I flipped. You deserve to be treated like a princess. Whatever he’s planned will be great. Don’t get distracted by all this fancy stuff. He’s still the same great guy you fell for.”

“All right, I hear ya, but I just thought of another problem.” She tugged at her ponytail. “What to do with this hair?”

At six o’clock, Julie heard a car pull into her driveway. Her mom had come over earlier to help Chrissy with lookout duty. They both called out Reagan’s arrival while Julie put on the finishing touches upstairs.

The sound of Reagan’s deep voice kicked up her pulse another notch.

The two women came upstairs to check on Julie. They rushed into the bathroom, where she was fixing her hair one last time. She’d finally decided to sweep her hair to one side. Her unruly waves had been straightened and then curled into five large, red ringlets, which lay over her shoulder.

“You look beautiful.” Mary wrapped an arm around Julie’s shoulder. “Your date has arrived.”

Chrissy’s mouth curved in a huge smile. “You better go before I leave with him. He looks smokin’ hot in that suit.”

Julie checked herself in the mirror one last time. Her face glowed with excitement, her hair was still behaving, and the gold earrings sparkled against her skin. She thanked her mother and Chrissy before descending the staircase to Reagan. “Sorry for keeping you waiting.” He had knelt next to Aiden, talking like a father would to his son.

His head turned at the sound of her approach. Their eyes met.

The tightness in Julie’s chest melted at the sight. Reagan was here, for her.

“You look absolutely stunning.” He stood to take her hand, giving it a soft kiss.

Inside her small family room, he looked like a fashion model. His face was clean shaven, and he’d even made an attempt at styling his overgrown hair. “You have great taste.” She twirled, and the dress glistened as she moved through the late afternoon sunlight.

“Thanks, but I can’t take all the credit. My mother and sisters have trained me well. For a grown man, I know way too much about women’s fashion.”

Aiden came beside her and placed his small hand in her own. “Mom, why are you two all dressed up? Where are you going?”

“I can’t tell you, it’s a surprise.” Reagan winked before returning his attention to Aiden. “But doesn’t your mom look beautiful?”

“Aiden.” Julie gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t forget to take along your overnight bag to Grandma’s.”

“Yeah, I won’t. Love you, Mommy, see you tomorrow.” He went back to play with his train, obviously bored with the goings-on of the adults.

Reagan wrapped her hand inside his own and escorted her to the waiting car, which was one of those luxury brands with deeply tinted windows.

The driver opened the back passenger door for her, and she slid onto the butter-soft black leather.

Closing the door behind her, he moved around to the other side.

“This car is gorgeous.”

“Tonight was too cold for Cinderella’s carriage, so I opted for the next best thing.” Reagan wrapped his arm around her shoulder, bringing her in close to his warm body. “Thank you for agreeing to come tonight. You look exquisite.”

Reagan made a perfect Prince Charming. She hoped this magic wouldn’t disappear at midnight. “The dress you got me fits like a glove. How did you know what size I wear?”

“I have a confession, and don’t get mad, but on Monday when you went to get Aiden from school, I snuck into your closet.”

She wagged a finger at him and frowned. “That was clearly a violation of nurse’s orders. I remember telling you to stay on the sofa. What else were you up to while I was gone?”

Reagan laughed out loud at her scolding. “It was worth risking your anger to see you in this dress.”

After an hour’s drive, they arrived in downtown Chicago. When the car stopped in front of a nondescript building, a doorman hurried over to open the door for Julie. She stepped onto the sidewalk with Reagan exiting right behind her.

He took her elbow, leading her under a brick archway and into a small, elegant restaurant. Inside, the entrance was painted with beautiful frescos of country landscapes. The maître d’ approached them, wearing a wide smile. He was a short, balding man who spoke with a thick Italian accent. “Mr. Harrison, Ms. Ellis, welcome to Mestiere. Please follow me to your table.”

They were taken to the rear corner of the restaurant and seated at an intimate table for two. Reagan pulled out a chair for Julie and waited until she was seated, before settling himself across from her.

“Your waiter will be with you shortly.” The maître d went back to his post at the front of the restaurant.

Julie took a minute to appreciate her surroundings. The restaurant, which was decorated in a modern style, still retained the old world charm of the building. Contemporary paintings hung on exposed brick walls, and the rustic wooden tables created a cozy space. Overhead lighting was kept low, with candles and wall sconces providing illumination.

Their waiter arrived with a wine list and dinner menus.

Reagan ordered a bottle of Riesling, Julie’s favorite wine, and the waiter left to fill the request.

“I thought you didn’t like wine.” She stared across the table at her handsome date. The sight of him made her heart skip a beat. Waves of electrical energy danced over her skin.

“I’ll make an exception for tonight.” He watched her with half-mooned lids.

Julie opened the menu, needing to take her gaze off him. Breathe. Don’t forget to breathe. “This is all in Italian. I can’t read anything on the menu.”

“Mestiere is the top Italian restaurant in the Midwest.” He grinned. “They make the best marinara sauce on the planet. I think they keep a little Italian grandmother in the kitchen.”

“Yum. Pasta sounds delicious. Will you order for me?”

“I’d be happy to.” He reached across the table to hold her hand.

They stayed that way, connected by sight and touch, until the waiter returned with their wine. He poured them each a glass, and then Reagan ordered their dinners.

The nervous butterflies, which had fluttered inside her stomach, had now morphed into a hum of excitement. Tonight was different than any date she’d ever been on. Being wined and dined with Reagan felt perfectly right. He’d taken her into his world, and she had to admit, it was pretty darn nice.

“I’m glad you don’t need your sling anymore.” She glanced at his injured arm.

“I feel good. Hopefully, I’ll get cleared to play in next week’s game.”

Their first course arrived, consisting of a salad of baby greens with a tasty homemade dressing and small bites of garlic toast. Reagan raised his wine glass. “To the most beautiful woman in the world. You’ve made me a very happy man.”

She smiled as their glasses clinked, and then took a sip of the delicately flavored wine.

As they dined, their conversation traveled through many topics but many revolved around stories about their childhoods and families. Reagan told tales about his older sisters and the trouble they had caused him. About the special bond he and his dad had. How they would go fishing and hunting to escape a house full of females.

Julie told him about her father—how he’d left the family when she was two years old. She hadn’t heard from him since and didn’t want to. He’d given her the red hair, but that was all. Everything else she owed to her mother.

The food was delicious, just as Reagan had promised. Definitely haute cuisine, but with a taste that could only be described as ‘homemade with love’. When they finished their meal, Reagan paid the bill and stood to take Julie’s hand, pulling her to him.

A perfect gentleman.

He kissed her softly before a waiter brought her coat, and he helped her slide it on. They stepped out of the warm restaurant into the cool, November air, to the waiting car.

“How did the driver know when to pick us up? I didn’t see you make a call.”

“If you pay people enough money, they become very good at reading your mind.” He chuckled and opened the car door, letting her get seated. He slid in next to her and pulled her close, moving his hand to her chin and stroking it gently.

The driver pulled away from the curb.

Julie gave no thought to their destination. She tipped her head forward, meeting her lips to his, and gave into the deluge of sensation. The kiss was slow and intense, as if he was savoring a delicious meal.

She couldn’t help but recall John’s kisses, which always possessed a sense of urgency. When he’d come home after deployments, their coming together had been fast and fervent. Her time with John always had a caveat—she never knew when those stolen moments would disappear.

Coming back to the present, she pushed the comparisons out of her mind. Tonight was Reagan’s night. He deserved her whole attention.

“What are you thinking?”

He stared into her eyes, which must have hinted at her distracted thoughts. “Nothing.” She willed herself to enjoy and appreciate the here and now. “So, are we heading home?”

He laughed and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Not yet, I have another surprise planned.”

****

A short time later, at Reagan’s direction, they arrived in front of a seemingly abandoned building. A neon sign reading Club Remix hung crookedly above the entrance. Outside stood a long line of people, which snaked down the sidewalk. But he wasn’t concerned about getting inside. Not when he was good friends with the owners.

Reagan exited the car and opened the car door for Julie. She took his hand, and he helped her step out over the curb. The loud, thumping beat of music emanated from every gap in the facade. As they approached, a large bouncer immediately lifted a thick, red velvet rope. Reagan motioned for Julie to pass through ahead of him.

“Welcome, Mr. Harrison,” the bouncer said, while another man opened a large metal door, inviting them in.

The sounds of the girls calling out his name were immediately cut off when they stepped inside. All he heard was music over the hum of a multitude of voices. The building looked like a warehouse in another life, with its three-story ceiling and large open space. A long glass-topped bar filled one side of the room. Behind the bar hung shelves, displaying hundreds of bottles. The DJ booth and dance floor took up the middle section, and vibrantly colored tables filled the first floor. Above was the second level, which ran the perimeter. A catwalk overlooked the dance floor.

Normally, a night at the club was no big deal, just a way to get together with friends and blow off some steam. But Julie was on his arm, and he felt like a king. He couldn’t wait to be seen with her. She looked stunning with her dress hugging every delicious curve.

A woman with waist-length black-and-purple hair arrived to escort them to a roped-off staircase. She removed the barrier, which led them upstairs to the VIP section. From there, they followed her to a booth, which was already occupied by another couple—Reagan’s good friends.

Nick stood and held out a hand for him to shake. “Reagan, man, good to see you.”

Leah gave Reagan a hug and kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s been way too long.”

His chest swelling with pride, Reagan put his arm around Julie’s small waist. “Nick and Leah, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Julie Ellis. These two are very good friends of mine, Nick and Leah Breyer.”

“Hi, Julie,” Leah said. “Thanks for joining us.”

Wide-eyed, Julie looked at both of them and gasped. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

Nick Breyer was the star of the latest round of Batman movies. His wife, Leah, was a tall, raven-haired model. When he’d planned to meet up with them at the club, he hadn’t taken into account Julie might be intimidated when thrust into the world of celebrities. Hopefully, she’d soon realize Nick and Leah were very nice people. For a Hollywood couple, they were very unpretentious.

The group of four seated themselves around the booth. Reagan held Julie’s hand, stroking her palm with his thumb in reassurance.

Nick leaned over to Julie and spoke above the noise of the music. “What I want to know, Julie, is why such a pretty girl like you is dating this ugly beast?” He pointed to Reagan’s annoyed face.

Julie laughed and gently patted Reagan’s cheek. “He’s not so bad.”

“I’m just lucky she can look past my lousy friend,” he shot back.

Leah elbowed Nick in the side, “You boys be nice, we’re here to have a good time. Let’s get some drinks ordered.”

“Do you dance, Reagan?” Julie asked over the music pulsing in the background.

“Not very well, but I’ve been known to make an appearance on the dance floor. The scene usually ends with me fleeing for my life. Those ladies can get pretty crazy.” He shrugged. The only lady he cared about driving crazy nowadays was Julie.

“Would you mind going with me to dance?” Leah asked Julie. “These guys are no fun. They can stay here and talk football.”

“Sure.” She gave Reagan a quick kiss before the girls made their way downstairs.

Reagan and Nick went to stand next to the railing, observing the dance floor beneath them. Reagan watched as Julie and Leah moved through the crowd to the center, the techno music vibrated the air. They merged into a sea of moving bodies. Multicolored lights flashed around them. The crowd was electric.

As Julie danced, Reagan noticed the layers of stress falling away. They peeled away to uncover the happy, carefree girl he’d seen in her photo album.

Like she had her own personal spotlight, Julie seemed to shimmer and glow. He couldn’t take his gaze off of her. “Thanks for meeting us here,” Reagan said to Nick. “I figured Julie would hit it off with Leah. I really want her to have a good time tonight. With work and caring for her son, she doesn’t take much time to just go out and have fun.”

“Reagan, you surprise me.” Nick tipped his head toward Julie. “She’s very pretty, but I never pictured you dating a single mom. That’s a lot of responsibility, and not really your style. You avoid commitment like the plague.”

“She makes me a better person. I’m done playing around.” As Reagan continued to watch her from above, all his feelings converge into one truth. “She’s the one, Nick.”

“I’m happy for you.” Nick gave him a slap across his broad back. “But just so you know, I ran into Brynn last week out in LA, and she wasn’t very happy with how you ended things. You know, there’s no wrath like a woman scorned and all. Anyway, Brynn thinks you’ll get bored with your new ‘girl next door’—her words, not mine—and you’ll be back in her bed very soon. I thought you should know, in case she starts trouble.” Nick then motioned to the dance floor. “Looks like our ladies are hot property.”

Reagan noticed several men surrounding Julie and Leah. The women attempted to move away from their crowd of admirers, but with no luck. After Leah was grabbed by a sweaty-looking man, she shook her head and pointed up at Reagan and Nick. Reagan let loose an intimidating scowl and headed to the stairs, down to the first level and onto the dance floor. With the imminent threat of bodily harm, the troublemakers escaped into the sea of bodies.

Nick and Reagan wove their way through the crowd. Leah took Nick by the hand and led him in a seductive dance, clearly advertising her claim.

Reagan, having eyes only for Julie, grabbed her around the waist. Together, their bodies moved in unison to the music. He pulled Julie close and lifted her off her feet, holding her with one strong arm. “You’re as light as a bird.” She was raised to his eye level. With their lips at such close proximity, he was drawn like a magnet to iron. After a long kiss, he slowly lowered her feet to the ground but kept a hand resting securely on the curve of her lower back. The contact burned hot, a mix of pleasure and pain—satisfaction and longing.

“You sure know how to show a girl a good time.” She rested her hands on his shoulders.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“This is the most fun I’ve had in ages.”

Warmth filled his body. Nothing made him more content than seeing Julie happy. “Good, because I’m a slave to your pleasure. Putting a smile on your face is my new mission in life.”

Around one am, Reagan noticed Julie’s eyelids grow heavy. They said goodbye to Nick and Leah, and then left the club. As they started their journey home, smooth jazz serenaded them from the car’s speakers, which was a welcome sound after the upbeat techno music of the club. Julie slipped off her shoes to curl up on the seat, resting her head on Reagan’s chest. “Thanks for the best first date ever,” she sighed in a drowsy voice.

He wrapped his arm protectively around her, nuzzling into her silky, rose-scented hair. “You deserve to be spoiled.”

“All I need is you,” she said before drifting off to sleep.

He stayed awake for the ride to Timber Lake in order to watch her sleep. He would be content to stay in the backseat of the car all night, never leaving her side. When the driver pulled into the driveway to Julie’s house, he didn’t have the heart to wake her. Reaching for her purse, he found the house key, smoothly exited the car, and went to unlock the front door. Coming back, he swept her in his arms. He barely felt her weight as he carried her into the house and finally laid her on her bed. Brushing back her hair, he leaned in close. “Julie, honey, we’re home.”

She opened her eyes a crack, and then closed them. “What? I must have fallen asleep in the car. Did you carry me up?”

He sat on the edge of her bed, rubbing her hand between his large palms. “I’m heading home now.”

With her eyes still closed, she patted around until she found his arm. “Don’t go. Stay with me tonight. I don’t want to be alone. I’m so tired of being alone.”

How could he deny her? He’d never leave her side, if that was her wish. “Ok,” he whispered. “I’ll be right back.” He went outside to tell the driver to leave for the night. Coming inside, he locked the front door and turned off the lights downstairs. He returned to find Julie changed into an oversized T-shirt and snug in her bed, breathing at the slow pace of sleep.

He went to find the shorts and shirt he’d left in her spare room and changed out of his dress clothes. Sliding into bed next to Julie, he drew her in his arms and covered them both with a heavy comforter. She let out a sound that was practically a purr.

For a while, he held onto her, until he was sure she was fully asleep. Then, he carefully slipped out of bed and settled for the chair tucked in the corner of her room. Rest seemed elusive, as he couldn’t stop watching her. Eventually, he slipped off into his own peaceful sleep, not bothering to dream, since reality proved to be a better companion.